Bring On The Bad Guys — Red Skull #1 surfaces a wartime nightmare

A fresh entry in Marvel’s villain anthology, Red Skull #1 peels back the Nazi commander’s darkest origins and hints at a diabolical bargain that could reshape Captain America’s future. Written by Stephanie Phillips and drawn by Tommaso Bianchi, it promises a gritty, historically‑tinged thriller.

The latest installment of the Bring On The Bad Guys line drops a dedicated one‑shot for one of Marvel’s most notorious antagonists. Positioned as the fifth of seven villain‑focused stories, this issue puts Red Skull at the center of a new narrative thread that feels both fresh and essential to the series.

Set against the brutal backdrop of World War II, the story dives into the formative years that forged the Skull’s ruthless reputation. A desperate pact with a demonic force looms, creating a ripple that threatens Captain America’s destiny long after the war ends. The premise blends historical tension with supernatural intrigue, offering a layered look at how evil can be cultivated.

Stephanie Phillips, known for her work on Phoenix and Ghost Spider, brings a scholar’s eye to the military details, giving the narrative a palpable sense of period authenticity. Tommaso Bianchi’s art captures the grim atmosphere with heavy shadows and dynamic panels, while Lee Bermejo’s cover adds a striking, painterly quality. The issue also features a backup story from veteran creators Marc Guggenheim and Michael Sta Maria, expanding the villainous scope.

If the Red Skull’s past intrigues you, the next villain spotlight—Loki #1—offers a contrasting mythic twist on a different kind of deal with the devil. Both issues complement each other, giving readers a broader view of the series’ exploration of power and betrayal.

Pick up Red Skull #1 to start this dark chapter and see how Marvel reimagines one of its most iconic threats through a historically grounded lens.